PennDOT work on I-81 to close ramps at major intersection

A multimillion-dollar paving project that will close access points to area highways and reduce travel lanes on Interstate 81 has been delayed until Wednesday.

Monday's snowstorm prompted officials to postpone work on a $5.2 million project meant to repair a nearly 2-mile stretch on I-81 north, from the Drinker Street overpass to Exit 190 (Main Avenue), state Department of Transportation construction project manager Bill Eckenrode said.

Construction work includes repaving and crack sealing, and will require - for at least six weeks - closing the ramp connecting the Casey Highway west to I-81 north, as well as the ramp linking the Casey Highway to Route 347 (Dunmore/Throop) and the ramp from Interstate 84 west to Route 347.

The repair work also will require officials to occasionally reduce travel to a single lane - a move that will add to the existing congestion seen near the Main Avenue exit because of an ongoing project to replace an entrance ramp.

"We will try and maintain at least two lanes of traffic through the area during days," Mr. Eckenrode said. "Every so often, it will be down to a single lane at night."

Deemed necessary because of the roads' deteriorating condition, the construction encompasses phase one of a yearlong project designed to overhaul that portion of the interstate, PennDOT spokesman Mike Taluto said.

Phase two, he said, involves pavement patching, guardrail adjustments and other repair work in different lanes within the same section.

"It's a long process, but one we are familiar with as we completed repair work on I-81 south last year," Mr. Taluto said. "We will do our best to expedite the process and, if needed, we will install temporary traffic signals to alleviate any traffic off I-81."

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